Over the past couple of months, I've read numerous articles on the Growth Mindset. I knew it was something I wanted to introduce to my sixth graders. This wee​k I finally did. I have to say on the onset, this week's lessons have probably been the most powerful ones I've experienced in years.

#CaroldweckThe original researcher of the growth mindset is Carol S. Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University. After numerous years of research, she published a book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She also appeared in a Ted Talk discussing the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. She explains that a fixed mindset is the belief that our character, intelligence, and abilities are inherent and cannot be changed. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that one thrives on challenges and sees setbacks as opportunity for growth and development. Rather than "Did I win? Did I lose?" Carol suggests, "Did I make my best effort?"

#LessoncycleWe started our week watching a portion of Carol's Ted Talk, followed by Station Rotation. The four stations included reading two articles on the concept, watching two short video clips on the concept, reviewing and discussing a sketchnote by Sylvia Duckworth and completing a self inventory. Students also wrote informative essays about the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, we discussed our findings of the inventories, and culminated by writing growth mindset statements.

#StudentinsightsAs part of the week, students wrote informative essays that concluded with a self-reflection. Here are some of their take-aways . . .

*I know that trying doesn’t make me look like I don’t know anything. I learn from failure.*To me, having a growth mindset would be more beneficial to me because not only would it help me in school, but it would also help me at home and in the future.*I have a growth mindset because I’m confident, motivated, and open minded. *I can use this knowledge by helping others to improve their mindset socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.*I see myself as a fixed mindset person because I usually fear making mistakes and I hate trying new things and I also don’t want anything to ever change knowing that everything is going to change.*But the important thing we all need to do is know how to get better or how we can try to see things from a different perspective, listen to someone’s bitcoin you know?*Doing this lesson definitely has changed my way of looking at things.

#NotjustforkidsThe growth mindset isn't just for kids. We try so hard to be "examples" for our children. Why don't we show the process? Verbalize when we make mistakes. Let's be authentic. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at this video. Growth mindset statements from my sunsational sixth graders.​

We recently undertook a challenge where engineering, design, innovation, and the 4 Cs collided. The result . . . The Goldiblox Challenge. Two weeks of complete engagement and excitement. But before I get started, I'd like to thank friend, Jessie, a teacher in Westmorland for sparking the idea in the first place Without her sharing her class' design project, this project would never have been conceived.

#DebbiesterlingIt all started after watching a TED Talk from Debbie Sterling. In her talk, she shared her struggle of being taken seriously in the field of engineering. A field dominated by men. Time and time again she was met with the belief that engineering is for men. With a Stanford degree under her belt (which was not so easy . . .since she was female, you know), she wanted to build toys. Not just any toys. But engineering toys for girls. (Think Legos) After lots and lots of time, refinement, and test sessions with girls, she finally hit a home run. Enter, Goldiblox. Goldiblox is the character she created that loves to read and loves to build. It was a hit! The initial release of the games sold 20,000.

#InnovatorsmindsetAnother idea that I couldn't shake was the "Innovator's Mindset." I want to be an innovator. I want my students to be innovators. This was it. The perfect opportunity for us to be innovators together. Me, for even daring to step outside my comfort zone. The students, for creating a game or toy of their very own. From scratch. From conceptualization and creation, to implementation. Check out the sketchnote below, drawn by Sylvia Duckworth, inspired by the work of George Couros.

​

#GoldibloxchallengeStudents created design teams of three members. Each member developed their own original game or toy. They pitched their design to their group then decided on a final group game or toy. Many of the games and toys were a combination of ideas. For two weeks, students worked on their projects. During the process, all of the 4 Cs (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity) were evident to an immense degree. Students also wrote a direction's sheet to go with their game (incorporating writing).

#ToyfestThe big reveal came during Toy Fest. Lucky for us, it happened to fall on Halloween. What fun! Dressed in costumes, our class set up their games in the quad. The third grade classes were invited to come play the games. All of the students had so much fun, both 6th graders and 3rd graders alike. During Toy Fest, students manned their games, modeled how to play, and at times even had to modify the game as needed. As the teacher, I thought their thinking was finished. But, no. Toy Fest, with actual kids playing with the games, added another level of thought. Now they were thinking about how to make the games even more successful. And they did.

Take a peak of our Toy Fest. Look at their faces. That's learning come to life!

In conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, sixth graders all across the valley embarked on a powerful day of learning, hosted by the Imperial County Sheriff's Department. A variety of local agencies provided support including the FBI, Border Patrol, ECPD, the Imperial County Juvenile Hall, Pioneer's Memorial Hospital, EMTs, local attorneys, and Southwest SEVAPA students.

​#FreedomisdrugfreeThroughout the day, students witnessed first hand the consequences of drug use on a teen. From the first moment to the last, students felt the emotions, observed her actions, and witnessed the consequences of drug use. All the participants were actors, but the scenarios were oh so real. At the end of the day, the message was loud and clear . . .

Freedom is Drug Free

#sequenceofeventsThe hour and a half long presentation chronicled a sequence of events for an unfortunate teen.

Drug theft

Booking at the juvenile hall

Sentencing hearing

Release from detention: under probation

Overdose at a party

Emergency room attempting to resuscitate

Death

Mortuary

#ifjustoneAs students left the mortuary scene, one could sense deep reflection. One student commented, "It's like Scared Straight." Yes, it definitely was. As adults, we've seen the reality first hand. A reality that we don't want our children to experience. My brother passed away due to drugs when he was 24. I was 18. First hand experience . . . yes. If just one child escapes drugs or alcohol from this presentation, then it was worth it. But I know deep in my heart, hundreds of lives will be saved due to the tremendous presentation this group shares every October.